Rep. Scalise, a computer-systems engineer and 12-year veteran of the Louisiana Legislature, has proven to be an energetic and effective representative for south Louisiana since his election to Congress in 2008. He played a pivotal role in the passage this summer of the Restore Act, which ensures that 80 percent of Clean Water Act fines levied against BP will be directed to the Gulf Coast states. The formula for dividing the money, which is estimated to be $5 billion to $20 billion, should benefit Louisiana. That money should allow the state to jump-start vital wetlands restoration projects to shore up our shrinking coastline. Rep. Scalise also has pushed to speed up federal oil and gas revenue sharing payments to Louisiana, which also will be used for restoring the coast. In addition, he is focused on trying to speed up FEMA's response time to requests for aid, expedite public assistance payments to communities dealing with disasters and require the agency to update the way it calculates individual assistance. Those are vital issues for the state's future and need continued attention. Rep. Scalise's position on the Energy and Commerce Committee also is important for Louisiana. Despite his strong partisan views, he has fostered key relationships across party lines that benefit his constituents and the state as a whole.

2nd District

Cedric Richmond

Rep . Richmond, an 11-year veteran of the state Legislature, quickly established himself after his election to Congress in 2010. He and Rep. Scalise, who were colleagues in the Louisiana House of Representatives, have worked across party lines to press for coastal restoration money and to try to speed up FEMA's response to requests for disaster assistance. Rep. Richmond also has focused on resources for dredging to keep the Mississippi River open to traffic. Those are key issues for Louisiana and need his continued leadership. He is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security -- which oversees FEMA -- and is the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Healthcare and Technology. He also serves as an assistant whip to U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, the House whip. Washingtonian magazine recognized Rep. Richmond on Friday in its annual "Best and Worst of Congress 2012" list as one of the "surprise standout" freshmen House members. Time magazine also honored him with a spot on its "40 Under 40" list. An attorney, Rep. Richmond was elected the Louisiana House in 2000 at the age of 26, making him one of the youngest members in state history. While there, he sponsored legislation creating state tax credits to spark business expansion in Louisiana.

6th District

Bill Cassidy

A physician and associate professor of medicine with Louisiana State University, Rep. Cassidy has focused on health care, coastal restoration and energy issues since his election to Congress in 2008. He, along with other members of the state's delegation, is pushing for greater tax deductions for small businesses and farmers in Louisiana and Mississippi who were affected by Hurricane Isaac and for individuals with storm losses to be able to tap into their 401(k) accounts without penalty. Rep. Cassidy serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and is as an assistant whip for the House Republican Conference. Before being elected to Congress, he was a member of the state Senate. He has provided care for uninsured patients and has taught doctors in training at Earl K. Long Hospital in Baton Rouge for two decades. He co-founded the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic, which offers free care to uninsured patients. Rep. Cassidy's district was redrawn after the 2010 Census to include parts of St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes.